Due for release next month, Sony’s new DSC-HX99 and DSC-WX800 compact cameras are designed for travellers seeking high-zoom ratios in a compact camera body.

Two views of the new DSC-HX99 camera showing the EVF and flash raised. (Source: Sony.)

Both cameras have 1/2.3 type (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Exmor R CMOS sensors that deliver an effective resolution of 18.2 megapixels as well as Zeiss-branded Vario-Sonnar T* 24-720mm zoom lenses. They also come with BIONZ X image processors that combine with a front-end LSI to deliver high-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with a buffer limit of up to 155 images. Autofocusing speeds of  0.09 seconds are claimed. New features include Eye AF, Touch Focus/Touch Shutter function, and location data acquisition via Bluetooth. A 180-degree tiltable LCD screen makes it easy to frame selfies and group shots.

The DSC-WX800 camera. (Source: Sony.)

Both cameras also include Optical SteadyShot stabilisation as well as a Zoom Assist function that allows the user to zoom out temporarily and displays a wider area when shooting a subject at the telephoto end. They can also record 4K video footage with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. High-frame rate HD (720p) recording is supported at up to 100 fps to produce slow-motion sequences during playback. My Menu personalisation in both models enables instant recall of up to 30 items and the ability to create custom menus.

The HX99 offers advanced features like the ability to shoot in ARW.RAW format and sensitivity settings up to ISO 6400. It is also equipped with a  retractable OLED Tru-Finder with approximately 638,400 dots and a customisable Control Ring that can be set to adjust functions like manual focus or step zooming. A new Touch Pad function enables the focus point to be moved while using the viewfinder.
The new DSC-HX99 and DSC-WX800 will be available in Australia from November for AU$729 and AU$649 respectively. Sony has also released a new Shooting Grip (VCT-SGR1) for users who enjoy taking selfies and vlogging. Compact and lightweight, it offers  adjustable shooting angles and instant conversion to a mini-tripod. It is available now for AU$149.  Details of the new products are available here.